Wayward Son

Ed Runyon #2

by Steve Goble

A PI goes hunting for a missing boy—and ends up being prey

Ed Runyon, a former sheriff's deputy haunted by past missing child cases that went horribly wrong, is struggling to launch a PI agency and still live in the Ohio farm country he loves. His love life is in shambles, too, as his partner turns to someone else. His best friend got roughed up by a rogue cop, so Ed is in a fighting mood.

Ed finds a new focus when he is hired to find a runaway chess aficionado who is keeping secrets from his homophobic, religious parents. Finding kids is the reason he became a PI, so Ed is determined to succeed and put the demons and other problems behind him. But Jimmy Zachman made a bad move and ran into far more trouble than he was already in, and the hunt for him leads Ed to a deadly and desperate confrontation. Everything comes down to determination—and one very risky move. Ed must find Jimmy at all costs.

Perfect for fans of John Sandford and Robert Crais

While the novels in the Ed Runyon Mystery Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence is:

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2022

About the author

My first novel, a historical mystery called "The Bloody Black Flag: A Spider John Mystery," was released Sept. 12, 2017, from Seventh Street Books. My second novel, "The Devil's Wind: A Spider John Mystery," was released in the Fall/Winter of 2018. The third, “A Bottle of Rum,” was released in November 2019, and “Pieces of Eight” is coming. Sometime in 2021.

Also in 2021, I will debut a new detective series from Oceanview Publishing. Look for “City Problems” in July.

Learn more at stevegoble.com.

Quarterly newsletter: https://stevegoble.us2.list-manage.co...

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve done it again - jumped into a series at book 2, although you absolutely don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.

Ed Runyon is a former cop who became a PI so he could devote his full attention to one case at a time, if only he had a case. Then a missing child case falls into his lap. This suits Ed as he really wants to focus on missing people. Jimmy Zachman, the 15 year old son of Tammy and Bob Zachman did not come home the day before and the police are not doing enough in the parents’ opinion. The Zachmans are an über Christian family who swear their son is not into anything unsavoury. This raises immediate red flags with Ed - what 15 year old confides everything to their parents? The only activity Jimmy is into that is not church related is a chess club held at the library on Saturday mornings. Jimmy is a good and very keen chess player so that is where Ed starts his investigating.

The kids he talks to tell Ed that he also plays games online and give him the details and tell him he mostly plays with a character called Wunderkind. They also seem to think that Jimmy might be gay. Right, that’s definitely something Bob Zachman would struggle with given his anti gay stance on his blog. There is also evidence that Jimmy is being blackmailed for money by scammers posing as friends who have cajoled him into sending images that would shock his parents. The pressure to pay up is relentless and Jimmy sees his only option is to disappear.

Ed learns that Wunderkind lives not far away in Columbus Ohio and is gender fluid and known as Suki. Easy peasy he’ll be able to return Jimmy to his parents post haste. But hold your horses. When Ed gets to Suki’s place he finds their father, Charlie Boon, shot dead in the kitchen and the gunman is now coming for Ed. It all goes a bit supercharged after that as Ed is relentlessly pursued by bad guys who want to kill him.

I have to be honest and say that the story was a little bit corny. But I didn’t mind it too much as the characters were just so darn nice. Ed’s friend Tuck and his on and off girlfriend, Linda, really had his back. He still had friends on the police force and Ed himself is a really, all round great guy! The dialogue was, at times, a little cheesy but again I didn’t find it as bad as in many other books. The story itself was good and, I suppose, highlighted a real danger to young people online. You really need to be so careful who you trust with intimate images - or better still just don’t share them at all. Overall this was a lighthearted, heartwarming and entertaining story. Many thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publising for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ed Runyon #2

Ed Runyon. a former sheriffs deputy haunted by his past missing child cases that went horribly wrong, is struggling to launch a PI agency and still live in the Ohio farm country that he loves. his love life is in shambles, too, as his partner turns to someone else. His best friend just got roughed up by a rogue cop, as Ed is in a fighting mood, Ed has a new focus when he is hired to find a runaway chess aficionado who is keeping secrets from his homophobic, religious parents.

Ed Runyon opened his PI agency to find missing children. We face a few issues in this book: a deadly virus, social issues, sexuality and cybercrimes, which are all sensitively covered. Ed is haunted by his failures and struggling with his personal life. While trying to find missing Jimmy Zachman, Ed finds himself in danger. I have not read the first book in this series, but I did think that the book could be read as a standalone. The characters were well developed and believable, The story showed some of the dangers kids can face while they are online. I quite enjoyed this book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #OceanviewPublishing and the author #SteveGoble for my ARC of #WaywardSon in exchange for an honest review.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the Ed Runyon mysteries, Steve Goble’s Wayward Son continues the adventures of the former sheriff’s detective in rural Ohio. Haunted by his past failures, Ed is struggling in his personal life, as well as starting his own Private Investigation Agency, and of course the demons of his past. He is hired by very religious parents to find Jimmy Zachman, their runaway son who is a well-mannered, intelligent and chess-loving teenager. Once again, Ed’s fixation on missing children leads him into danger and he ends up wounded in hospital. A not-so-simple runaway search ensues, with plenty of action, amusing antidotes and even cultural musings of rural America. This was a more enjoyable read than the first book, with well-developed characters and a folksy narrative making for a credible modern western genre read. So overall, a promising flawed hero that delivers a four star read rating. With thanks to Oceanview Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

When a kid being blackmailed online runs away from home, rural Ohio PI Ed Runyon is hired to find him.

Ed quit the police force so he could focus on doing one job at a time, specializing in finding lost children.

It's a tough job.

Definitely left wing, but not painfully earnest.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ed is a Private Investigator ( former Sheriff’s Deputy) his life is mess that’s until a local boy goes missing then he’ll do everything in his power to bring him back home.

Ed really needs to make his PI business work he’s hardly got any money at all and he’s almost used his unused vacation money from the Sheriffs office.

Ed loves to right wrongs if he thinks someone’s been treated unfairly or wrongly he’ll make whoever did it pay , I really liked that about him. I was enchanted by Ed and loved hearing about his back story and what had happened to him in the last few years and why he ended up working as a PI and why he had such an interested in finding missing children.

You’ll love the slow burn of this story and finding every clue along with Ed as he tries to find Jimmy.

[Ranu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayward son is the second in the Ed Runyon series by author Steve Goble. Ed Runyon is a Former NYPD Police officer who subsequently settles in the Ohio country, where he was born. He is haunted by his past cases where he was witness to a lot of cruelty especially towards children. After his yet another unsuccessful stint, he finally decides to start his own PI agency specializing in finding children. His first case in that direction is the case of finding 15-year-old Jimmy Zachman. Jimmy belongs to a very religious family. His parents are homophobic and extremely averse to atheists. What follows is the pursuit of chess wizard Jimmy, with Ed pursuing any clues that he can find along the way.

The book is based with the backdrop of social issues of color, choice of sexuality, cybercrimes and of course the deadly virus. The author deals with all these issues very beautifully without losing the reader or the main plot. I loved that the book is an easy read, and I was able to finish the book in a couple of sittings. I particularly liked the Rajnikant kind of action in the book 😊. (What can I say, I am a fan of Thalaiva) The book has the potential to keep the reader engaged. I wouldn’t have dropped the book halfway.

Do give it a try, the book is releasing in August this year. I would rate it a cool 4 out of 5.

[Vicki Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed Runyon has quit the police force to become a PI to allow himself to prioritize what he wants to pursue/investigate. After finding who killed the teen in Mifflin County in City Problems he wants to devote himself to finding missing teens. He's just starting out but he gets his first missing teen case. Goble keeps this book very relevant to our times and Ed becomes even more endearing to readers (at least to this one). I'm really looking forward to Ed Runyon #3 in July 2023.

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

This new p.i. is a likeable character on an admirable hunt. For the most part this is a good read but I thought the chapters from the drug dealers' perspective were repetitive and too long.

[Glady · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced epub of Wayward Son in exchange for an unbiased review.

Goble's second entry in the Ed Runyon series is a thrill ride. Ed has left the sheriff's department after the events of the first novel and is now a private investigator specializing in finding missing kids. His expertise is, unfortunately, fine-tuned as a result of his professional experiences as a detective in New York City and as a detective/sniper in Ohio. His failure to rescue a missing girl in New York led him to Ohio and the Sheriff's Department but that career move was short-lived. Another missing kid case and Ed had operated a bit too independently so he decides it is time to operate solo.

Teenage Jimmy is missing and his parents, very religious folk, are desperate to find him. They cannot imagine why Jimmy has run away but it doesn't take lone for Ed to discover that Jimmy's truth may not be easily accepted by his parents, especially his dad. Ed utilizes a variety of strategies to locate Jimmy and he soon is in the crosshairs of some dangerous and vengeful drug dealers. Ed's go-it-alone methodology means that he places himself in some rather vulnerable situations in the quest to bring Jimmy home.

I enjoyed the first book more than this one but I will continue with this series.

#WaywardSon #NetGalley #EdRunyon

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wayward Son" by Steve Goble is a gripping and intense mystery that delves into the world of a former sheriff's deputy turned private investigator, Ed Runyon. Goble skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending elements of suspense, personal struggles, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

The character of Ed Runyon is well-crafted and layered, haunted by past cases gone awry and grappling with personal turmoil. His journey to launch a PI agency in the tranquil Ohio farm country adds an intriguing backdrop to the story. Goble excels in portraying the complexity of Ed's life, from the challenges of his love life to the fierce loyalty he holds for his best friend who has fallen victim to a rogue cop.

The central plot, involving the search for a runaway chess aficionado, introduces a compelling twist by exploring the young boy's struggle with secrets in the face of his homophobic and religious parents. Ed's determination to find missing children, driven by his own haunting experiences, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. The author skillfully navigates the delicate balance between the personal and professional aspects of Ed's life, creating a well-rounded and relatable protagonist.

The story takes unexpected turns as Ed's quest to locate the missing boy leads him into a dangerous confrontation. Goble builds tension effectively, keeping readers hooked with every twist and turn. The stakes are high, and Ed's character is put to the test, making for a thrilling and unpredictable read.

The resolution of the mystery relies on Ed's determination and a risky move, adding a layer of suspense that keeps the momentum until the very end. Goble's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and a pace that maintains the suspense throughout the narrative.

In "Wayward Son," Steve Goble delivers a standout mystery novel that seamlessly combines elements of personal struggle, suspense, and a compelling investigative plot. Ed Runyon's character is one that lingers in the reader's mind, and the author's storytelling prowess shines in this thrilling tale of determination, danger, and the pursuit of justice. A solid four-star read for mystery enthusiasts.

[Kevintipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up a few months after City Problems and shortly before the Covid outbreak in the United States, Ed Runyon is no longer a Mifflin County Sheriff’s Deputy. He has started Whiskey River Investigations and, as a private investigator, will focus on missing kids. Missing kid cases are important to him and a major reason why he left New York.


Jimmy Zachman is missing. His parents, Tammy and Bob Zachman meet with Mr. Runyon and are doing everything they can to hold it together. The 15-year-old has been missing around 24 hours and they have no idea why he left. While they claim they have no idea, but Ed Runyon sees a couple of possible reasons right from the start. But, he is not there to discuss religion or politics. He is there to find their missing son.


The search for Jimmy will take Runyon far from Jimmy’s home on Poplar Street in Ambleton, Ohio. It will involve technology, a chess app, and a lot more, in a complex case where nothing is as it seems.


As this the second book in the series that began with City Problems, it would be best to have read that book first. Not only do several of the recurring characters return here, time has passed, and some situations have changed a little bit. Additionally, events of the first book are referenced repeatedly and ultimately play a role here, so read in order.


Wayward Son: An Ed Runyon Mystery is a good one. Like City Problems, the read is highly recommended.


My reading copy came from the Kleberg Rylie Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2023

[Timothy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Chekhov once said, “If you hang a bowling ball on the wall in act one, you should fire it by act three.” Or maybe those aren’t his exact words. But it certainly applies to Steve Gobles’ Ed Runyon mysteries. Ed is a former NYC cop and a former small town Ohio cop who’s now set up as a private investigator in a town too small to support a P.I., and he’s got some anger issues which have a lot to do with his downward (or outward) mobility. He’s also got a tiny trailer in the middle of nowhere, girlfriend problems, and the enmity of a lot of local cops. He’s not the most together guy in the world. But by god he’s got a case. And a bowling ball.
The case is a missing teen-age boy, which is exactly the kind of case he was put on earth for. It may seem simple, but this case will throw everything but the kitchen sink at Ed, and he’ll have to fight tooth and nail to get this kid back home safe.
That’s what sets Ed Runyon stories apart. It’s the reality of them. I don’t want to use the word “gritty” about them because it’s a word that’s been devalued by over-use, nor does it really apply. There are no mean streets in Mifflin County, Ohio, though there’s mean sleet. But Ed has true grit, and from the moment he takes the case the action roars along without taking a breath.
And along the way, Ed the avowed loner develops a nascent support group as real as he is. This book is number two in a series. I look forward avidly to number three.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you are 17, don't fit in, are being bullied, and your parents don't understand you? In this case, Jimmy Zachman runs away. He turns off his phone and drops off the face of the earth. Oh yes, Jimmy is a chess whiz and that's the clue that Ed follows.

Ed Runyon, a PI who relocated from NYC and left his job at the Sheriff's Office in Mifflin County Ohio (an imaginary county near Mansfield), is on the case. His mission, search for missing kids. He's good at it and no longer has to juggle his police case load to find the kids.

Lots of action, a gun fight, a stalker, and more drive the action forward.

You'll find Ed Runyon a likeable guy. He's a little rough around the edges, he likes to live in the woods, and he's got a soft spot for kids.

Ohio Author Steve Goble has created a detective who rivals Andrew Welsh-Huggins' Andy Hayes, and even Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder. If you want backstory (and you don't really need it), read Ed Runyon's first case, "City Problems".

Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for a copy to read and review.

You'll also find a review in the Ohioana Library Quarterly http://www.ohioana.org

[Blagica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A P.I. Read



I am so sorry I am late to this party. When I requested this book I had no idea this was a series but I loved Ed as a character. Ed is a
a private investigator specializing in finding missing kids. His expertise is, unfortunately, fine-tuned as a result of his professional experiences as a detective in New York City and as a detective/sniper in Ohio. His failure to rescue a missing girl in New York led him to Ohio and the Sheriff's Department but that career move was short-lived. Another missing kid case and Ed had operated a bit too independently so he decides it is time to operate solo.
Teenage Jimmy is missing and his parents, very religious folk, are desperate to find him. They cannot imagine why Jimmy has run away but it doesn't take lone for Ed to discover that Jimmy's truth may not be easily accepted by his parents, especially his dad. Ed utilizes a variety of strategies to locate Jimmy and he soon is in the crosshairs of some dangerous and vengeful drug dealers. This is so good that I read it in three hours. I do not want to give anything away but I will say that it is a great fast paced read.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayward Son by Steve Goble.
book 2 of the Ed Runyon Mystery Series.
Ed Runyon, a former sheriff’s deputy haunted by past missing child cases that went horribly wrong, is struggling to launch a PI agency and still live in the Ohio farm country he loves. His love life is in shambles, too, as his partner turns to someone else. His best friend got roughed up by a rogue cop, so Ed is in a fighting mood. Ed finds a new focus when he is hired to find a runaway chess aficionado who is keeping secrets from his homophobic, religious parents. Finding kids is the reason he became a PI, so Ed is determined to succeed and put the demons and other problems behind him. But Jimmy Zachman made a bad move and ran into far more trouble than he was already in, and the hunt for him leads Ed to a deadly and desperate confrontation. Everything comes down to determination—and one very risky move. Ed must find Jimmy at all costs.
Really good read. I did like Ed. Great story and plot. 4*.

[Denice Langley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A private investigator specialing in missing children faces some very tough choices when he's hired by an uber conservative family to find their missing teenage son. Ed Runyon left the NYPD when a missing child case ended in the childs death. In an effort to dedicate his time to missing children, Ed has now left his sheriff's deputy job to become a PI. But history does not change just because you do.

Steve Goble has given us a decent man just trying to make a difference who keeps coming up against fickle fate. The characters are developing. This is the 2nd book in the series so we are still meeting core characters and figuring out how Ed will save the day. This is a good, not great series that has alot of potential. Steve Goble has done an excellent job building this character and his community so far, I'll definitely read the next book to see how Ed grows next.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wayward Son is the second book in the Ed Runyon series, I have not read first book in the series but had no problem reading this as a stand-alone. This was a new author for me and although I did enjoy the book overall, I have to say it wasn't a 5star read in my opinion. Runyon is a former sheriff's deputy that has turned to a PI. He is haunted by cases in his past and determined that he wants to help children in his profession now. It's a struggle as we see, and this upcoming case will reveal twists and turns. I would suggest this book to others.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this.

I read this book unaware that this is the second book of the Ed Runyon Mystery Series., and in my opinion, this could be read as a stand-alone.

Ed is a former deputy who is trying to start a PI business. Finding missing children is his speciality, so when he is hired to find a young chess player, he does whatever he can to bring him home. However, along the way, he uncovers more secrets than he bargained for.

I found this to be an interesting read, and am very intrigued to read more in the series.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for the copy of Wayward Son. This is my first book from this author. This was a great story! I really liked how chess was woven in and how Jimmy’s story unfolded. I didn’t connect to the writing because it felt over-written if that makes sense. Runyon was SUCH a hero - it was a little too much for me and not realistic. I did like how he figured out what had happened though. People who have read other books in the series would like this, but it wasn’t really for me.

[Eva Kouvari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got an E-Arch from NetGalley for an honest review.

''Wayward Son'' is a fast-paced book about a PI, ex police officer, who goes on to find a missing kid.
I'm sure I lost a few plot points, because this is the second book and I found out after I requested it..
The plot is interesting, the characters are okay, and distinct from each other, even the secondary ones.
There is some odd dialogue, occasionally, but it keeps the pace going.

I will look for the other two books!
I need to read the first and if I like it, I'll read the third too!

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to author Steve Goble for this FREE Kindle copy of Wayward Son.

I liked it. Story, pace, characters, visuals were all nicely done. Good banter between characters, along with some humor sprinkled about which is always a nice touch. From the mood setting cover design, to the well edited read inside, make this book a good read. My only suggestion is to smooth the talk out. Contractions and slang to make conversations sound more realistic.

[Patricia Gussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kid running for his life
The scene is small town Ohio, not the Big City. Ed is trying to save a kid in Wayward Son – just as he was in City Problems. This time the kid is the victim of internet exploitation. A child with strict parents, an easy prey, and in trouble way over his head. If you’re a fan of hard-boiled crime fiction, you’ll be impressed with the forces put in play to save this at-risk kid. And you’ll be looking for more Ed Runyan.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Goble did not disappoint with his second Ed Runyon novel. Ed is no longer a deputy/detective, but that doesn't keep him from an amazing search adventure for a missing child. The plot plays uncomfortably close to real life - by that I mean that I bet this really happens all of the time in real life, and that is definitely creepy! The usual cast of characters from book 1 appear, I enjoy the group and hope the author continues this series.

[Kathy Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
The story is about a former deputy sheriff who opens his own PI agency to find missing children. His first case is complicated and gets the interest peaked as to where this will all go with the parents involvement as they are very religious and the boy is keeping secrets . It was enjoyable.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Ed Runyon Mystery Series. Ed is a former deputy who is now trying to start a PI business. Finding kids is what he feels he was meant to do, so when he is hired to find a young chess player, he jumps at the chance to find him. Along the way, he uncovers one too many secrets and must find the kid at any cost.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly enjoyed reading the thought processes and actions our main character went through while searching for a missing boy. The boy’s parents are ultra-conservative, just like some people in the real world here and now.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an agree with almost all of the three star reviews, except that Ed doesn't currently specialize in any particular client yet. He would like to concentrate on missing children but this is his first case as a PI in actually having to find one.

[Jessie Carvalho · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad read. It was just a little on the cheesy side, which I'm sure will be well loved by many. Cheesy mysteries can be fun though this has serious subjects too. I did like it and do recommend it!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story that held my attention. Storyline and characters worked for me. Recommended
3.5 star read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halfway through this book and I’m hoping the author is working on the 3rd. The main character is good. There’s a depth that is reminiscent of Parker’s Spencer. I just hope he writes fast.